and gently expanded to stretch their skin slowly. this meant that when doctors reconstructed their skulls after the separation, they had excess skin, which they could use to seal their new heads. we are just finishing the twins' separation procedure. it has gone extremely well and i'm delighted how well the whole team's done. it's an excellent team here and it's been a real pleasure to be a part of it. medics say this type of surgery, a first for israel, has only ever happened 20 times worldwide. separating them so young, they say there is now a high chance they will live normal lives — already breathing and eating on their own. there is rehabilitation for their physical and cognitive development planned, which will, no doubt, be spurred on by these remarkable sisters' own determination to succeed. mark lobel, bbc news.